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Category Archives: Announcements

Announcements, Community, Home Nursing, In Home Care, NDIS, Wellbeing

Continence Management with Empower Nurses

Posted on by Nicole Cook
Continence ax web
13
Jul

Continence Assessments

 

 

Incontinence is a very common condition affecting 1 in 4 Australian adults.

The good news is that there are many ways that both bladder and bowel leaks and accidents can be treated and managed. With the help of nurses and other health care professionals, your clients can continue to live an active and independent life with dignity.

 

How we can help

Our nursing services involve support in the management of bladder and bowel control problems. We offer discreet services that aim to preserve dignity, reduce stress, and help people regain confidence so they can participate in daily activities and get you back to enjoying life.

Our support

We will take the time to fully assess your client and understand the challenges they face. We will conduct a Level 2 Basic Continence Assessment and then develop personalised plans and strategies to suit the persons lifestyle and goals.

Our Multidisciplinary Team support

Whilst our nurses provide continence treatment, they also have access and work closely with a large team of Allied Health therapists that can also provide additional continence care and intervention.

Dietetics

Our Dietitians assist with:
• urinary incontinence by monitoring fluid intake and providing recommendations for other bowel management strategies. Clients experiencing urinary incontinence tend to restrict fluid intake and this can contribute to poor health through dehydration and increase the occurrence of constipation.
• faecal incontinence by recommending a modified diet that can alleviate the urgency of bowel motions as well as assist clients with implementing a diet that will help with the frequency and consistency of bowel motions.
*Dehydration is a great risk in this group of clients.

Physiotherapists

Our Physiotherapists assist with:
• improving a client’s mobility and function so that they can access facilities in a timely manner
• utilise their continence aids safely.
• improve balance and coordination to assist with independent toileting
*We don’t have any specialist continence physios.

Occupational Therapists

Our Occupational Therapists assist with:
• routines based interventions – working on toileting routines
• strategies such as visual prompts and social stories to support understanding, reinforce routines and reduce anxiety
• understanding their sensory systems and interoception, so the person understands the body’s signals of when they need to go to the toilet.
• working towards independence with assistive technology eg. over toilet seats or commodes, Clothing adaptations
• educating clients family and formal supports.

Management depends on the type of incontinence, its aetiology, the severity of symptoms, as well as the consumers factors such as cognition, functional status and medical history. Our nurses have the clinical background and experience to advise options for suitable treatment approach for each individual to match their lifestyle and keep them at home longer.

Click to read more about our Nurses

Catheter management

Medication management

Wound care

 

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Announcements, Dietetics

Welcome Dietitian Maddie to our team

Posted on by Nicole Cook
Maddie Law Web banner
07
Jul

Maddie Dietetic

Empower Healthcare is pleased to welcome Dietitian Maddie to our team!

Since graduating with a Masters of Dietetics, Maddie has worked with a broad range of clients across all life stages. Alongside experience in chronic disease management, Maddie has a passion for helping people develop healthy relationships with food. She brings varied and evidence-based expertise to her therapy sessions.

Of her person-centred approach to Dietetics, Maddie says:

I enjoy getting an insight into the role food plays in my clients’ lives and using this to assist them to reach their food and nutrition goals. I enjoy developing meaningful relationships with my clients and I have found this to be a crucial step in implementing successful nutrition interventions and therefore reaching my client’s desired nutrition outcomes.

When not working, Maddie is an avid cook who loves preparing delicious and nutritious meals for friends and family in her free time. She balances this with an active lifestyle, playing basketball and netball.

Maddie joining Empower is sure to be a recipe for success!

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Announcements, Speech Therapy

Difficulty Swallowing?

Posted on by Nicole Cook
What is Dysphagia
01
Jul

What is Dysphgia

Humans swallow at least 500 times a day. Like breathing, swallowing is a reflex that we don’t think about unless there is a problem with the process, this difficulty swallowing is known as dysphagia.

When challenges with swallowing do arise, they can cause distress and pose a significant risk to the health of the person who suddenly must consider every mouthful of food, sip of water or reflexive swallow.

What causes swallowing difficulties?
The most common causes of swallowing difficulties in adults arise from neurological conditions like stroke and Parkinson’s Disease. In children, developmental and congenital problems can affect swallowing and interfere with feeding and growth.

What are the warning signs for dysphagia?
Most of us will experience an episode of choking occasionally, luckily this is usually self-managed with a good amount of strong coughing and occasionally some help by those around us.

The real cause for concern is when these episodes occur frequently and do not resolve.

Other signs that swallowing is a problem are:
• an inability to swallow certain foods or liquids
• bringing food back up, sometimes through the nose
• a sensation that food is stuck in your throat or chest
• persistent drooling of saliva
• being unable to chew food properly
• a gurgly, wet-sounding voice when eating or drinking

Over time, dysphagia can also cause symptoms such as weight loss and repeated chest infections.

How do Speech Pathologists help people with swallowing difficulties?
Empower Speech Pathologists offer comprehensive swallowing services for people who are struggling with dysphagia and can help clients and their caregivers manage eating and drinking with less stress and more enjoyment by providing practical guidelines, recommendations, and therapy.

Empower’s Swallowing services include
• Full Swallowing assessments.
• Advice on posture and positioning for meals.
• Texture modification recommendations.
• Saliva Management
• Oral Motor Therapy.
• Compensatory strategies for safe swallowing.
• Mealtime Management Planning.
• Telehealth services and support.
• Education and training for clients, parents, carers, families, and support workers.

Our services can be accessed through a range of funding options and tailored to meet the needs of clients, participants and their caregivers.

 

Simply click on the image below for our referral form.

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Announcements, Dietetics

Nutrition and the immune system

Posted on by Nicole Cook
Immunity food Web banner Dietetics 1500 × 800px
29
Jun

Immunity boosting foods

Winter has arrived for much of Australia, bringing lower temperatures and increased rates of seasonal colds and flu alongside the ongoing COVID pandemic.

One of the most powerful tools we have in maintaining good immune function and health during the winter months is our diet.

While there is no single food that ensures good immune function, eating to support a healthy immune system does not need to be complicated. Making sure your diet is varied and consist mainly of unprocessed foods will get you most of the way there.

For the rest, there are a few key micronutrients the have been identified as critical for the growth and function of immune cells, including:

Iron
Iron is a component of the enzymes needed for immune cell function.
Sources include red meat, beans, nuts and fortified breakfast cereals.

Vitamin A
Vitamin A helps protect against infections by keeping skin and the lining of the mouth, stomach, intestines, and respiratory system healthy.
Sources include orange and red fruits, and vegetables like carrots, apricots, and bell peppers.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C is vital for the formation of antibodies and white blood cells.
Sources include citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruit, strawberries, and tomatoes.

Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps regulate antimicrobial proteins that can directly kill pathogens.
Sources include sunlight, fatty fish (like salmon), egg yolks, and fortified dairy.

Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects cell membranes from damage.
Sources include seeds, nuts, vegetables oils and peanut butter.

Zinc
Zinc is needed for wound healing and supports immune response.
Sources include meats, whole grains, milk, seeds, and nuts.

Selenium
Selenium is an essential trace mineral important for fighting infection and immune function.
Sources include seafood, Brazil nuts, red meat, and poultry.

The best place to get your nutrients is through foods but if you struggle getting everything you need through diet alone Dietitians can help with menu planning, food choice and supplementation if needed.

Finally, remember that diet is important but there are other things we can do to help our bodies fight infections and stay healthy. Getting enough sleep, reducing stress, and staying active all contribute to maintaining and improving resilience to infection and well-being during the colder months and throughout the year.

 

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Announcements, Foot Care, Podiatry, Residential Aged Care

Falls can be caused by foot problems – Podiatry has the solutions

Posted on by Nicole Cook
Falls Prevention with Empower Podiatrists EDM banner
16
Jun

Podiatry Falls

Foot problems are a leading cause of falls. Research shows that good podiatric care can significantly reduce the rate of falls for people living at home.

Falls are a major cause of injury with 43% of hospitalisation caused by falls and over half of all fall injuries involve a fracture. Reduced sensation, circulation and strength in the feet and lower legs can increase the risk of falling for people who may otherwise be living independent and comfortable lives on their own terms.

If these problems are accompanied by pain, everyday tasks and movement may become unmanageable, negatively affecting quality of life. Common foot conditions that can contribute to a fall include arthritis, heel pain, weakness, toe deformity, and decreased range of motion in the joints of the foot.

Podiatrist can help by
• Assessing the feet and legs of people who have a history of foot problems or falls.
• Conducting specific neurovascular foot assessments.
• Providing advice and recommendations for appropriate and well-fitting shoes.
• Implementing effective pain management strategies.
• Prescribing foot and ankle strengthening exercises.
• Providing complete toenail care.
• Introducing aids and tools to promote independence in safely tying shoelaces and putting on socks and hosiery.
• Providing comprehensive diabetic foot care.

Our Podiatrist also work with people on foot self-care where possible for the management of common foot conditions. By treating the causes of falling, Empower Podiatrist can help keep people on their feet.

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How To Get Clients Started With Our Podiatry Services

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Announcements, Community, In Home Care, NDIS, Occupational Therapy

Empower welcomes Heather to our NSW Occupational Therapy Team

Posted on by Nicole Cook
Heather NSW OT blog
07
Jun

Heather NSW OT

We are pleased to welcome Heather to our NSW Occupational Therapy Team

Heather is a confident and meticulous Occupational Therapist who enjoys finding person-centered solutions that empower clients to live their most independent, active and fulfilling lives.
Having worked in NDIS home-based settings as well as in work place environments, Heather has a holistic view of rehabilitation, inclusion and access issues faced by people at home, in communities and at work.
With experience in Functional Capacity, Sensory and Housing assessments, Heather also brings established therapy skills in capacity building, rehabilitation, assistive technology prescription and home modifications for clients in a variety of settings including school, homes and clinics in Sydney.
She says:
I am excited by the diverse nature of Occupational Therapy. I enjoy meeting new people, hearing their stories and helping them find meaningful activity and purpose to improve their quality of life and achieve their personal goals.
When not at work, Heather loves spending her time with friends and family exploring new places, eating great food and indulging in her best relaxation activity – watching Ru Paul’s Drag Race!

 


How To Get Clients Started With Our Home Care & NDIS Services

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Announcements, Community, Home Nursing, In Home Care, NDIS, Wellbeing

At home catheter care provided by Empower Nurses

Posted on by Nicole Cook
Catheter care blog banner
01
Jun

It is possible to live an independent and active life with a catheter and Empower’s nurses are ready to help clients and their families.

Our nurses are trained to deliver best practice catheter care with dignity to help people maintain the life they are accustomed to.

Our skilled nurses are fully trained to deliver care for all three types of catheters:
• Male
• Female
• Suprapubic

For people who rely on catheters, having a routine to care for the catheter is an important part of living a full life without the common complications that a catheter use can cause. Empower nurses deliver person centred, individualised catheter care to every client beginning with a comprehensive assessment at home.

Our nurses assess the level of support, education and care needed and work with clients and their families to set goals and develop management plans to suit their individual needs.

Good catheter care starts with good nursing care.

Our catheter care routines help users:

Reduce Urinary Tract Infections

By regularly emptying bags and performing hygiene activities like good hand washing, people who use catheters can reduce the likelihood of infection. Developing habits of adequate water consumption can also help to reduce bacterial infection risk and keep the system functioning optimally.

Eliminate Leakage

Regular emptying of bags is necessary to reduce the chance of overflow leakage. Having established fluid consumption routines can also help with the management of urine output.

Avoid Kidney damage

Reducing the load on the kidneys by allowing complete bladder voiding protects kidney function.

Live a full life 
A well-established routine can allow people who rely on catheterisation to lead full and active lifestyles with the freedom to work, travel, exercise and socialise knowing that their bodies are well cared for.

Having a plan and support is vital for developing routines when taking care of a catheter system. Our experienced nurses help people to ensure the best care for their catheters while meeting their lifestyle needs and goals. After all, catheterisation should allow people to focus on the things in life that really matter and enable them to live life their own way.

 

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Medication management

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How To Get Clients Started With Our Home Care & NDIS Services

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Announcements, Community, In Home Care, NDIS, Occupational Therapy

Empower’s newest Occupational Therapist brings assistive technology expertise

Posted on by Nicole Cook
Fred Spitson Web 1500 x 800 px
17
May

Fred Spitson

We are pleased to welcome Occupational Therapist Fred Spitson to Empower Healthcare.

Fred arrives with leadership experience and specialised knowledge of assistive technology prescription.
Having developed his skills in supported independent living, specially designed housing, home modifications and assistive technologies, Fred discovered a passion for prescribing complex equipment and is now bringing his much sought-after skills to add to our suite of Occupational Therapy service offerings.
Fred has experience in assessing for and prescribing standing power wheelchairs; bedding composite; hoists; scooters; bath lifts and light vehicle adaptability equipment. His interest lies in providing people with the tools and skills they need to achieve their goals.

 

I love working with participants and families, showing them what is possible to help improve their independence and help them achieve their goals and aspirations.
With a diverse NDIS and Home Care case load as well as constantly learning and developing in his profession, it’s hard to believe he has time to relax. Luckily, he prefers to stay busy and has recently renovated a house in his downtime.

Welcome to the team

About Empower Healthcare

We Change Lives

Changing lives is what we do.  Delivering high quality allied health services is how we do it.

Empower Healthcare was founded in 2016 by two people who were determined to improve the standards of allied health services in residential aged care. With industry knowledge and an innovative approach, Adam and Matthew set about defining what allied health services can be when quality and person-centred care is placed before all else in healthcare.

The partnership, that merged clinical expertise with business acumen, soon established Empower Healthcare as a leading provider of quality physiotherapy services in residential aged care facilities in Victoria. Woo Casino Australia offer huge bonuses and you can find woo casino bonus codes australia. This success fueled the expansion of our services within residential aged care, home care and NDIS to deliver occupational therapy, physiotherapy, nursing, podiatry, dietetics, osteopathy, massage and speech pathology.

Now offering comprehensive allied health services with more than 180 dedicated and passionate clinicians working in Victoria, Western Australia, New South Wales and Queensland. Empower Healthcare is growing and taking our unique approach with us.

A lot has changed over the years but not our commitment to the highest quality care, delivered by expert clinicians, aimed at improving the independence and quality of life of our clients. Helping our clients live their lives the way they want to.

How To Get Clients Started With Our Home Care & NDIS Services

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Announcements, Dementia, Wellbeing

Embracing Innovation with a world-first in Dementia education: Talk with Ted

Posted on by Nicole Cook
Copy of Nursing shower help Web 1500 x 800 px
16
May

Dementia training

 Half a million Australians are living with dementia today, this number is set to double over the coming years.

Our Empower therapists have the privilege of meeting and working with many clients and their families who are facing the challenges that dementia can bring. That is why we were so happy to learn of a new approach to training healthcare workers in the best strategies for communicating with people living with dementia.

 

Talk with Ted

Talk with Ted is a program developed by Dementia Australia’s Centre for Dementia Learning and Deakin University’s Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute in collaboration with healthcare workers.The program is based on real life experiences of people living with dementia and Ted is an artificially intelligent avatar who is facing many of the common struggles that people with dementia manage daily.

 

The immersive learning experience teaches a person-centred approach to communicating with the individual and gives our newly graduated clinicians the opportunity to practice and improve their skills. This is just one of the ways we are striving for excellence and constantly looking for ways to help our clinicians deliver high quality healthcare with the best possible outcomes for our clients, their families, and communities.

Our clinicians feedback:

I liked the avatar. Especially when aiming to use the right language – Tony
Gaining empathy and understanding of what it feels like for the residents with dementia – Kristea
Understanding the Human Rights of patients when requesting an action from them – Michelle
The importance of a good introduction – gaining rapport & finding out the person’s interests – Alissa

 

About Empower Healthcare

We Change Lives

Changing lives is what we do.

Delivering high quality allied health services is how we do it.

Empower Healthcare was founded in 2016 by two people who were determined to improve the standards of allied health services in residential aged care and knew how to do it. With industry knowledge and an innovative approach, Adam and Matthew set about defining what allied health services can be when quality and person-centred care is placed before all else in healthcare.

The partnership, that merged clinical expertise with business acumen, soon established Empower Healthcare as a leading provider of quality physiotherapy services in residential aged care facilities in Victoria. This success fuelled the expansion of our services within residential aged care, home care and NDIS to deliver occupational therapy, physiotherapy, nursing, podiatry, dietetics, osteopathy, massage and speech pathology.

Now offering comprehensive allied health services with more than 180 dedicated and passionate clinicians working in Victoria, Western Australia, New South Wales and Queensland, Empower Healthcare is growing and taking our unique approach with us.

How To Get Clients Started With Our Home Care & NDIS Services

Simply click on the image below for our referral form.

Referral on-boarding now completed online in minutes

 …

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Announcements, Equipment, Exercise, Falls Prevention, Massage Therapy, Mobility, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Podiatry

Our Multidisciplinary Team Approach To Mobility Assessments

Posted on by Nicole Cook
Mobility Assessment 1500 x 800 px
04
May

We can help you take the guesswork and uncertainty out of whether your client would benefit from the success of physiotherapy, an exercise program or assistive equipment to improve their mobility when movement is challenging.

Our multidisciplinary team understand that mobility inside the home, within the community and beyond is a requirement for independence and a cornerstone of quality of life at all ages.

To assess mobility, our team may:

  • Perform a thorough subjective assessment to ascertain what aspects of movement a client is finding challenging and what effect that has on their lives.
  • Analyse gait on a variety of surfaces.
  • Evaluate a person’s ability to move in bed, sit and stand up.
  • Assess stair or step climbing, if appropriate.
  • Determine the need for mobility aids.
  • Assess strength, endurance, and balance to understand the causes of loss of mobility.

Once a thorough assessment has been performed, we will work with clients to create goals of treatment and individualised interventions that can help them to reach those objectives.

Here’s five signs that a person may need a mobility assessment:

  • Reduced ability to manage activities of daily living due to problems with walking, standing up or stair climbing.
  • Loss of confidence in leaving the house.
  • Family members or caregivers reporting an increased need to assist with standing-up and walking.
  • A history of falling or fear of falling.
  • Anyone returning home after a period of prolonged hospitalisation due to injury or illness who is experiencing a reduction in function.

With our multidisciplinary and holistic wellbeing approach, Empower’s assessment reports provide clarity and direction to equip you with the knowledge to determine the best care plan going forward.

Go to our online referral to get started.  https://www.empowerhealthcare.com.au/referrals/

The Empower Difference

Changing Lives Through Exceptional Care

We pride ourselves in the delivery of innovative, high-quality, allied health solutions that constantly evolve to exceed the needs of your clients and their communities. Our service model integrates five service commitments that empower you to help your clients improve their sense of self-identity, quality of life, and ability to live safely in their environment.

  1. Extensive service offerings
  2. Care provided by highly skilled clinicians
  3. A team approach to delivering continuity of care
  4. User friendly referral process
  5. Superior reports providing clarity on future care needs.

Click on your relevant health care industry sector below to learn more.

How To Get Clients Started With Our Home Care & NDIS Services

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